Manufacture and Biodegradation of Wheat Gluten/Basalt Composite Material |
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Authors: | Peng Ye Lauren Reitz Chris Horan Richard Parnas |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Chemical Engineering and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 N. Eagleville Rd., U-3136, Storrs, CT 06269-3136, USA |
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Abstract: | Wheat gluten is a naturally occurring protein polymer. It is biodegradable and very inexpensive (less than $1.00/kg). Nonfood
applications of wheat gluten have been explored to develop biodegradable polymers from renewable resources. In this work,
gluten was reinforced with unidirectional basalt fibers in a compression molding operation. Biodegradation behavior of wheat
gluten/basalt composites was examined by putting specimens into soil of prescribed moisture content. Specimens were removed
at various time intervals and tested for mass loss and change in mechanical properties. Both mass and mechanical properties
show a steady decline over a soil exposure time of 40 days. However, the basalt composite retained mechanical properties longer.
At the same time, the bacterial count on the specimen surfaces increased exponentially. Field emission scanning electron microscope
images show smooth fracture surfaces, indicating brittle failure of the wheat gluten. However, there are many small holes
in the protein matrix with diameter of order 100 nm. These small inclusions may contribute to the brittleness through stress
concentration. |
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Keywords: | Wheat gluten composite basalt fibers biodegradation |
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